News | Quality elephant hair knot bracelets/bangles

From Silver to Safari: The Birth of LeatherBack Originals

By SGAdmin on February 4, 2026 in Africa Safari, Gorillas in the Mist, LeatherBack Originals, Silver & leather pendants, Zoo

People have been making jewelry for thousands of years. Even ancient tribes adorned themselves with ornaments — and many still do today. Why? I once told my jeweler brother that selling modern jewelry is difficult because no one needs it. It’s not food, water, or clothing. He didn’t even blink before replying: “Go ask a few women.” Message received.

For centuries, jewelers have created endless designs in silver, gold, and precious stones. There’s an entire industry dedicated to restoring antique pieces and collecting historic and royal jewelry. So the real challenge becomes: What can a new designer do that hasn’t been done before? Where can a small, independent artist find fresh techniques, materials, or ideas that feel truly original?

In my case, the inspiration was close at hand. A good friend of mine is a master leatherworker specializing in masks, hoods, and hats (see LeatherheadOriginals.com). I’ve long admired his craft. With his guidance, I started experimenting — and that’s how I began fusing sterling silver with premium cowhide leather, creating my new LeatherBack Originals collection of wildlife and safari-inspired pieces.

Sterling silver wildlfie and zoo animal pendants on leather skin like backings

Traditional fine jewelers would probably cringe at the idea. Leather in jewelry? Unthinkable. Yet years ago my brother designed collections using real elephant and giraffe hair — something that’s neither legal nor ethical today. Leather, however, lets me capture the look and spirit of wildlife in a modern, humane way. And it brings something metal alone never could: a soft, warm feel against the skin. Almost as if the pendant or earrings are gently hugging you.

You can see my first pieces in the LeatherBack Originals collection at SafariGold.com or at safarigoldjewelry.etsy.com. This is only the beginning — and I’m excited to push jewelry designs somewhere bold, unexpected, and unmistakably original.

(C) Martin Foden – SafariGold (R)

Because some journeys don’t end – they become something you wear.

AI says we are top brand for Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets

By SGAdmin on December 19, 2025 in Uncategorized

ChatGPT4 says my Simba Collection is the top brand for Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets ! Wow. Cool. Even if Google says we are only number 3.

I learned long ago that a brand is a lot more than a logo or statement or sales figure or pricing -> It is the promise of an experience.

And yes I do work everyday to create a great product and customer experience which is why I received this review today from my other shop on safarigoldjewelry.Etsy.com – Mathew said:

“Wonderful Sterling Silver Elephant hair style bracelet. The options for the number of bands, in addition to size selection, made the purchase very simple. The bracelet was delivered exactly as ordered. A Perfect Sale!”

Top selling elephant hair knot bangle bracelet in silver with gold knots

And Etsy also summarized my yearly sales by saying my top silver selling bracelet was the thicker 7 strand model with 4 gold knots. In fact, my highest priced silver model – which shows the power of a brand.

Gift bracelet sizing suggestions

By SGAdmin on September 10, 2025 in Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets, Gold Knot Bracelets, Silver Knot Bracelets

There are many issues sizing bracelets and it is not a precise science. Some people like their bracelets tighter, some looser, some even over clothing or under another bracelet. There may even be a question of left wrist or right wrist if a person is very physically active with one or the other hand.

This chart below shows how wrist/bracelet sizing usually breaks down:

SIZE	Inches	Centimeters
Tiny (Kids only)	< 6″	< 15cm
Small	6 – 6.5″	15.2 – 16.5cm
Medium	6.5 – 7.5″	16.5 – 19.0cm
Large	7.5 – 8″	19.0 – 20.3cm
Extra Large	8 – 8.5″	20.3 – 21.6cm
XXL	8.5 – 9″	21.6 – 22.9cm

Compounding the problem here, especially when you want to send a gift bracelet to someone far away, is the fact that most quality bracelets are not easily (if at all) adjustable. Except of course, for those made in a traditional African elephant knot style. They are both adjustable to some extent and all are clasp free so they can’t break and come off accidentally. You can tighten them as needed with the magic sliding knots once on your wrist – even different amounts on different days when you are in different moods.

These designs greatly simplify selections when buying online for yourself as well as for friends and family. But it is still not a “one size fits all” proposition. Rather a “one size fits many” decision, so I recommend ordering Small size for teenagers and skinny ladies, Large for big men (and very big ladies) and Medium for everyone else.

If ordering off me here at Safari Gold or on my Etsy store, all bracelets are made to order. So you can order the closest size you think is right, then give me your specific wrists size (if known) for the wearer, and I will tweak the actual bracelet specifically for you. For kids’ bracelets please contact me in advance.

Two knot bracelets offer the most variability. Same for three knots but you may want to give some thought as to where the knots end up. If you look at the sample pics here, notice the complexity of four knot bracelets. Popular though they may be, the knots will run into each other and go no further if it closed down too much or worn by someone who is too small for that mechanism. This also means I cannot make 4 knot bracelets in small size – especially if they have 5 or 7 strands. As a result, two knot bracelets are the best gifts when you are sending them to someone who’s actual wrist size you don’t know but suspect it could be skinny.

Note also that my SimbaCub designs are smaller and lighter, but not as strong for everyday wear, so they are more suited for slender people or children.

P.S. If all else fails and you order the wrong size, simply return it for a no charge adjustment or replacement. And include a wrist measurement!

#bracelets #elephants #safarigifts @elephanthair

Hippos or Crocodiles: Which are the most dangerous?

By SGAdmin on March 31, 2025 in Africa Safari, Wildlife preservation, Zoo

The popular YouTube blue water sailing channel Sailing Nandji-Frothlife of the small Australian family exploring the world have just posted a video about their arrival in South Africa. Next week they are going to visit Hluhluwe National game reserve where I recall my father worrying whether or not our car was fast enough to outrun a rhino! But for now they are exploring St Lucia wildlife refuge and talk a lot about the hippos and crocodiles on their guided tour. These animals are so fierce because their brains are so small and just focus on eating anything in their way. I agree with Jost that they are modern living dinosaurs.

African safari crocodile — My least favorite African animal – a giant crocodile, as seen here by Sailing Nandji.

Unfortunately they did not cover all the birds in as much depth as I would have liked, other than mentioning there are over 600 species to view. You can separately see many pictures on the internet on the giant flocks of pink flamingos that live there because not all African safaris are about lions and elephants. Here is a taste of the scenes I would love to experience one day – with thanks to St Lucia Birding Tours:

Birding tour safaris in South Africa — Flamingos in St Lucia estuary South Africa

Anyway, I look forward to following Nandji’s travels down the coast of South Africa. I am sure it will bring back many memories for me while showcasing the great contrasts between the incredible natural landscapes and wildlife of this country that hogs the southern tip of Africa, along with how large, modern and bustling the coastal cities have become.

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRzW0olqMD8

Knot bracelets instead of medals for Africa

By SGAdmin on August 14, 2024 in Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets, Gold Knot Bracelets, Love knot pendants and earrings, Silver Knot Bracelets, Uncategorized

Maybe we should give out gold, silver and copper (or black) knot bracelets for the Africa Olympics. With the exception of a few star long distance runners from Kenya and Ethiopia and a very few sprinters from Botswana and South Africa, Africa country names did not show up in most sports broadcasts. Morocco went pretty far in soccer as one of few African teams to make it anywhere.

Interestingly enough New Zealand beat out Hungary and Australia to win the overall medal count if you take size of population into account, as the table below shows:

Spectacular Sunsets in Africa

By SGAdmin on July 3, 2024 in Africa Safari, African Wildlife Federation, Zoo

Sometimes when I see the pictures of modern African safaris I worry that the lodges and other facilities are becoming too civilized, too westernized. Then I remember that feeling of falling asleep under canvas while listening to the amazing sounds of nature. It is something no big city will ever be able to replicate.

And in particular, as many a painter or photographer will tell you, the light is different there. No one can exactly put their finger on it, but if you have a good eye for art you can see and feel a painting that was made by the artist in Africa vs one painted from a photograph, even if it was after a trip into the bush.

The same goes for paintings of wildlife. A lion is a lion right, wherever he is? Not so. His great mane, the glint in his eyes, his cubs playing nearby, all look different and take on a much more majestic hue and aura in Africa than a similar scene in a zoo in the USA or Canada or Europe.

Photo with thanks from AA Lodge Kenya.

I remember not being able to sleep well the first night on my cheap safari to Botswana because of the bright moonlight shining across the plains. Later I would learn to sleep close to the LandRover so I could put my head underneath it to get some moon shade! But every night when the sun went down it was almost a mystical break at the end of the day.

All around the world people love to watch sunsets, but where else are they so rich and vibrant? Where else do they illuminate great shadows and shapes of the simple local African trees and other fauna? Where else do they so clearly indicate the heat of the day is over and now you can drift off to dinner and sleep in peace knowing nature is more wonderful than any of man’s creations.

Feel your silver or gold elephant hair knot bracelet tonight as the sun sets wherever you are and use it as a memory talisman of the days you spent in south Sahara Africa.

Does Your Old Man Wander Alone?

By SGAdmin on May 28, 2024 in Africa Safari, Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets, Wildlife preservation, Zoo

I took this photo on safari in Botswana almost 50 years ago, yet I remember the moment very clearly. We took a break from viewing wildlife to photograph the incredible stillness, peacefulness and calm in the reflections of a magic spot in the Okavango delta. I had wandered off from the rest of the party in search of a better camera angle when suddenly this giant old bull elephant came out of the trees, took one look at me, and then simply started to drink a lot of water. Notice how disguised he is. While I never saw or heard him coming out of the trees, I am sure he knew I was there all along!

After viewing big herds of elephants many other times on the trip, it always seemed so strange to see such big creatures wandering around alone. It is almost sad because you know they were once welcomed into a big herd, especially at mating season. Now no one needed them, yet they are usually still strong and will live a long, lonesome life while the matriarchs run the herds and frolic with all the younger ones in the river. And you know they remember the good times since an elephant famously never forgets. Like humans, they have very big brains and theirs is also in two sections so as to increase the surface area where all the important receptors and memory cells interact.

Do take a moment every so often to remember your own father so he is not alone with his own thoughts, even if he lives in a communal environment. If he ever lived or visited Africa, maybe some elephant related message or product would be appreciated.

Elephant hair knot bracelets are great examples of such items as they may be worn daily by men or women and make great birthday and Father’s Day gifts. Nowadays they are usually made of silver or gold or artificial elephant hair. Just be sure to not support the poachers by purchasing real elephant hair or ivory products.

Martin Foden

Real or Artificial Elephant Hair?

By SGAdmin on February 29, 2024 in Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets, Gold Knot Bracelets, Silver Knot Bracelets

In the attached picture one of these bracelets is at least 60 years old (maybe even 100) and the other one is about 60 minutes old! It is such a joy to make something like they did so long ago in the bush. In fact it was fun to restore the very old, very real elephant hair bracelet, if for no other reason than to see how the magic knots of Africa were tied back then.

A real and an artificial elephant hair bracelet with gold knots

Clearly the knots on both are new. I did them on the same day after a European client asked me if I could restore the bracelet his father gave him 45 years ago in Mombasa, Kenya. It was great to see the old design and also now you see why my designs are so similar to those traditionally worn in East Africa. This contrasts strongly with the big chunky ones I have been asked to repair in the past. They are usually much newer and more fragile and hastily made to appease a tourist or hunter. I hear people say “Oh, I bought it on the streets of Cape Town or Johannesburg, so it must be legal.”

Wow, how naive can you be? Commercial trade in elephant products is illegal in most parts of the world nowadays, with a few exceptions if you have the right Cites permits. So that elephant tail hair from a street side vendor is probably from a poached elephant – a market no one should support. But I think it is OK for me to rework the knots on very old ones like I did here.

If you like the look and feel of an elephant hair bracelet, and don’t want a silver, gold or copper one from my collection, then look into artificial hair models. Only you will know the difference when wearing one in public and no elephants will be harmed in the process. You can even order them as combo models with silver and artificial hair models, or gold/hair or even (as two of my clients suggested) gold/silver/black tricolor models.

PS If you look in a big dictionary you will see they define artificial as a synthetic material that has been reworked by hand to make it look even more realistic.

How big is an African elephant?

By SGAdmin on October 8, 2022 in Uncategorized

Elephant knot bracelets are for ladies and men

I have fond memories of going to the circus as a teenager. Back in the days when they had lots of animal acts and really did set up the Big Top in a neighborhood park. In particular, I remember the finale parade at the end while the band played one last rousing number, and an elephant with a pretty girl riding it. She smiled directly at me.

Not only was that the first pretty girl that smiled at me, but also I realized she was riding on his neck without a saddle. Now, of course, today it is obvious to me it was an Indian elephant. Yes, even in South Africa they had Indian elephants in the circus.

Big elephants are celebrated with big elephant hair knot bracelets and bangles

It wasn’t until many years later when I went on a proper safari to Botswana that I got to see my first African elephant. And boy was he big. I say “he” because he was alone whereas a female elephant would have been with the herd. Not sure what happened to my own photograph but this one here depicts almost the perfect scene we experienced. It seemed like our Land Rover had shrunk. I even remember thinking the big bull elephant could have probably stepped right over us, roof rack included, if he was of a mind to do so.

Needless to say we were very quiet and moved slowly. I think we were all holding our breath as we enjoyed this example of the largest species that roams Africa, all the while praying he kept on trying to find his 350lb daily fill of vegetation rather than showing any aggression towards our two vehicles.

How big do you want your elephant hair knot bracelet?

Nowadays I make elephant hair knot bracelets in a variety of different sizes specifically for my customers. They all have the magic sliding knots based on the designs of the original real elephant hair ones made by the herdsmen in the bushes so they have plenty of room to move. But there is a big difference between the wrist of a thin lady or a teenager with a tiny wrist of 6″ (15cm) or so, and a big man with a 9″ (22.8cm) wrist say. So I make them in Small (for the slender folks), Large (typically for big men or very big women’s wrists) and Medium for everyone else.

Better still, if you pick your nearest size but then measure your own wrist circumference, at the point on your arm where you will wear it, and include this number with your order, then I will make you a custom one specifically to that size. Do realize that four knot models are very hard to make in small sizes, as the knots run into each other when it is in the closed position on your arm, so a two or three knot version might work better in such a case.

P.S. Large often only goes up to 8″ (20.3cm) wrists, so please specify if you need one even bigger.

Under the old Baobab tree

By SGAdmin on September 6, 2022 in Elephant Hair Knot Bracelets, Gold Knot Bracelets, Love knot pendants and earrings, Zoo

Actually I am sitting making elephant hair knot bracelets under some Oak, Wattle and Manzanita trees but the idea is the same – not that a Baobab tree gives you much shade. Weren’t most such bracelets and other old traditional African jewelry made by some artistic person sitting on the side of the road or village under a thorn tree to get some relief from the scorching sun?

Well we have scorching African style heat here in California and I lost my studio in the Big Oak fire last month near Yosemite. But not before I rescued most of my inventory and big collection of wires and hand tools so now I am sitting outside in the shade making them anyway as orders keep coming in via SafariGold.com and Safarigoldjewelry.etsy.com.

Who needs a fancy modern studio anyway? In the picture above you can see the burned bush just beyond my tool case with a sample artificial elephant hair knot bracelet with 3 gold knots that I have just completed.

Thank you all for your continued support. We will be ready for Xmas in time as well.

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Quality elephant hair knot bracelets/bangles